Sauna Bath

The smoke sauna is the first sauna created. It is a room with no chimney and a pile of rocks. A fire is lit under the rocks and when the fire is put out, the heat of the rocks and what is stored in the room is its only heat source. After this is complete, the ash and embers are removed from the hearth, the floor is cleaned, and the smoke sauna is allowed to freshen for a short period of time. Generally, because the temperature is low and the humidity is high, heating can take around five hours, and with modern technology, a heat up time of two hours is reasonable. It is considered that the smoke sauna is the highest quality sauna experience.

Such skill is needed to get a smoke sauna hot enough for bathing. It is a time consuming process, however the end results in a smoother sweat bath. Smoke sauna kits are not available in the United States. . The temperature is always between 80°C (176°F) and 110°C (230°F). The smoke aroma of the smoke sauna, which many people find to be relaxing, lingers and became an element of the cleansing ceremony.

In Finland, garments such as swimsuits and towels were rarely worn in a Finnish smoke sauna. In a private Finnish smoke sauna, towels or swimsuits are rarely ever worn. In a public Finnish smoke sauna, men and women go to separate saunas, although both sexes may sometimes bathe in the same sauna. The smoke sauna has been a hallowed place, after the church, and most houses had one built.

Many Finns enjoy their traditions, but do not enforce them on strangers or locals. Generally, you would bathe with your family, however if you are with friend or strangers, women and men take turns. It is not a rule that you must undress, nor is it a breach of etiquette if you choose to wear a bathing suit or towel. First time smoke sauna bathers are obligated to remain in the sauna - a few minutes is perfectly acceptable to the Finns. The idea is to enter, sit down, enjoy the company of other sauna bathers and relax, and of course sweat. After you have had enough, you may enter the showers, swim in the lake or pool. You may always return to the sauna after showering or swimming, and repeat the process as often as you would like.

Sauna Bath |